Beloved teacher and athlete Sarah Halpenny, who passed away in Melbourne on December 14.Beloved teacher and athlete Sarah Halpenny, who passed away in Melbourne on December 14. Credit: Supplied

An Irish teacher who was living and working in Australia “unexpectedly” passed away last week aged just 29.

Sarah Halpenny, was working as a teacher at Sacred Heart Primary School in the north-western Melbourne suburb of St Albans when she passed away last week on December 14.

Ms Halpenny left behind her “heartbroken” parents David and Yvonne Halpenny, as well as sisters Emma and Grace, and partner Ciaran Callaghan.

In a GoFundMe post last week, her family shared the news of their “beloved” sister and partner’s passing.

“Sarah was a deeply loving partner, daughter, and sister, a kind and loyal friend, a superb sportsperson and teammate, and a caring, dedicated teacher,” the family said.

Irish teacher Sarah Halpenny, who passed away in Melbourne on December 14.Irish teacher Sarah Halpenny, who passed away in Melbourne on December 14. Credit: Facebook, Kingscourt Parish

“She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and loved her.”

St Kevin’s Gaelic Athletic Association, who Ms Halpenny played for, paid tribute to the Irish expat in a Facebook tribute on December 18.

“Beautiful inside and out, Sarah was kind, caring, a straight shooter, there was no sugar-coating with her, you knew where she stood, but it always came with a witty sense of humour and a great heart,” the post said.

“She was a great listener, very organised, a brilliant planner, and someone who never wasted a moment, especially during the school holidays, always making the most of the time off booking trips, chasing the sun travelling with Ciaran.

Ms Halpenny, centre, hailed from Ireland and was a keen Gaelic football player.Ms Halpenny, centre, hailed from Ireland and was a keen Gaelic football player. Credit: Facebook, St Kevin’s GAA Melbourne

“Sarah’s calm presence had a way of rubbing off on those around her, steadying and grounding people in moments big and small.”

St Joseph’s National School Kingscourt, where Ms Halpenny previously worked also paid tribute to the “wonderful” teacher, saying its community was “poorer” after her death.

“Sarah was an amazing teacher, who was equally loved and adored by her pupils,” the school statement said.

“She was also held in such high esteem by all of her colleagues and friends.

Ms Halpenny, right, hailed from Ireland and was a keen Gaelic football player.Ms Halpenny, right, hailed from Ireland and was a keen Gaelic football player. Credit: Facebook, St Kevin’s GAA Melbour

“May Sarah rest in the gentle grace of God.”

The GoFundMe has raised nearly €170,000, or $300,000 AUD, with donators paying tribute to the “lovely” Ms Halpenny.

“This GoFundMe has been created for those who wish to support the costs of bringing Sarah on her final journey home to Ireland, as well as contributing to causes and charities that were close to Sarah’s heart,” her family said.